Help! My son constantly gets in trouble at least once a week in school for his silly behavior!

My son is 13. He is a class clown. He gets in trouble for talking, laughing when it is not appropriate. Also, for his lack of focus and now he is not telling us when he gets in trouble to avoid punishment! Help!!

Expert

What the Expert Says:

There are many reasons that kids--especially boys--are the 'class clown', but one of the most common is that they have undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The most common symptoms are impulsive behavior, poor attention span, distractability and lack of focus. Sometimes kids who struggle with learning also get into trouble in school or act silly because they are bored since they don't always know what's going on in class. It's rare for a child or teen to just act out simply for no reason. This kind of behavior is almost always a 'red flag' for something else and it is our job as the adult to figure it out!

I'd suggest that you have your child evaluated--eityher at school, or privately to uncover the underlying reason for his behavior. Some kids who are bright can go for many years compensating for ADHD or a learning difficulty, but as they get into the upper grades, it gets more difficult for them to do so.

Start your journey of discovery and you'll help your son to not have to be the class clown to get the attention he needs in a negative way, but, rather positively!

Additional Answers (1)

A new onset of disruptive and inappropriate behaviors may signal stress, either emotional or metabolic. On the other hand, if such behaviors have been going on for a long time, attention deficit disorder might need to be considered. However, for ADD or ADHD to be diagnosed, similar behaviors must be observed in at least two different settings, such as school and home.

The best approach to figure out what's going on and help your son is to schedule an appointment with his regular health care provider for an evaluation.